Sorry to butt in but this may help the OP, when I did my cam covers the drivers side cam chain tensioner was relaxed with plenty of play in the chain and the passenger side was tight. Does that say anything or is that normal?
I also get the start up rattle when the engine is warm.
I have the main tensioner on standby ready to fit but when i initially tried i couldn't even get a socket or spanner on it to undo it.
Mine is also a 4.4 2004.
The chain tensioners act like an hydraulic tappet. They fill with oil via a one way valve. If that valve gets **** on it, the oil drains off allowing tension to be released. So you get a rattle on startup which goes away as oil pressure returns and expands the tensioner.
Ok, thanks, i have the one way valves also ready to fit that sit behind the vanos solenoids, is that the same valve or is there also an integral one way valve in the tensioner itself ?
Ok, thanks, i have the one way valves also ready to fit that sit behind the vanos solenoids, is that the same valve or is there also an integral one way valve in the tensioner itself ?
The tensioner has a one way valve integral to it....Don't know, was just describing how hydraulic tensioners generally work. Ant would be the one to ask about Vanos never had one apart.
Not 100% sure TBH Andy, looking at the position of the little blighter, it is partially covered by the VANOS gear unit....Cheers Wammers.
Ant, i am trying to find a little vid i took of the cam chain but i could get hold of the chain and lift it up and down.
if i wanted to replace the tensioner, can that be done with just the cam covers off or is more involved than that.
Apologies for the hijack OP
Not 100% sure TBH Andy, looking at the position of the little blighter, it is partially covered by the VANOS gear unit....
(tensioner sits in the middle of the cam chain with black 'shoes' on)
FYI...the main chain tensioner can be seen at bottom-middle of the photo